Energomach's testbed for world's most powerful rocket engines

[1greywind]

I want to share link to picture heavy report from unauthorized visit to Energomash testbed where world most powerful engines (RD-170, RD-180, RD-264) were tested.

http://lana-sator.livejournal.com/160176.html

Few picture to gain attention:

This enormus chimney towers are used to disperse rocket motor's exhaust high into air becouse facility is located in populated ares (here). This is how it looks then on full power:

Btw it is very, very kerbal idea to build testbed for rocket engines on toxic components (in 1960-1970 Energomash's specialization was N2O4-UDMH engines for ICBM and space. Notably Proton's RD-275) near contry's most populated city.

Chimney interrior:

Testbed interrior:

RD-170 on testbed:

I wish we have something like that in KSC. I want to put Mainsail on this power ring:

... and hit space bar on full throttle

[K^2]

http://img-fotki.yandex.ru/get/2/33213654.df/0_71e83_5dfd0bfb_XXL.jpg

Btw it is very, very kerbal idea to build testbed for rocket engines on toxic components (in 1960-1970 Energomash's specialization was N2O4-UDMH engines for ICBM and space. Notably Proton's RD-275) near contry's most populated city.

That's "fox tail" in the plume. It indicates presence of high quantities of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Specifically, nitrogen dioxide is the gas that gives it that red/brown color. Which means that they are still running tests with highly toxic fuels, like hydrazine variations and nitrogen tetroxide. And that means enormous environmental damage to the area. Smokestack or not, nitrogen dioxide gets captured by humidity in the air and percipetates very easily as acid rain/fog. Same goes for a number of other chemicals I'd expect in that plume, and they have even worse effects on environment and health.

Khimki is so appropriately named. *sigh*

[Kryten]

That's "fox tail" in the plume. It indicates presence of high quantities of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust. Specifically, nitrogen dioxide is the gas that gives it that red/brown color. Which means that they are still running tests with highly toxic fuels, like hydrazine variations and nitrogen tetroxide. And that means enormous environmental damage to the area. Smokestack or not, nitrogen dioxide gets captured by humidity in the air and percipetates very easily as acid rain/fog. Same goes for a number of other chemicals I'd expect in that plume, and they have even worse effects on environment and health.

That's probably from tests of the upgraded RD-276 for the latest Proton variants, which thankfully should be the last large hypergolic engine being developed in Russia. Vostochny is intended to use 'ecological' boosters exclusively, and the Khazaks are making taking hypergols out of baikonur a condition for renewing the lease.

[livefree75]

HAHAHAHA MOAR BOOSTERZ

Actually, it reminds me of a "test part" contract, along the lines of "We got a stroke of inspiration after 'visiting' the Kerlington production facilities"

[Motokid600]

Wow really cool pics. I'd love to walk around that place. So how is it these people have access to it? The Russians dont have a problem with people just walking in? Or do you have to know the right people?

[Ignath]

Wow really cool pics. I'd love to walk around that place. So how is it these people have access to it? The Russians dont have a problem with people just walking in? Or do you have to know the right people?

I believe the people who took the images snuck onto the site. I can't guarantee that is correct, but judging by Google's translation of the page linked in the OP (where the images came from) they snuck on-site due to lax security and a failing old fence.

Here is the translation from the page itself:

"And of course, thanks to the security service for NGOs irresponsible approach to the protection of its plant, as well as the management of economic security for failing to contain the emotions of sadness about the property damage caused by the loss of a wonderful Perimeter previously represents a permanent structure."

Granted, that is Google Chrome's translation...not sure how accurate.

Edited August 13, 2015 by Ignath